Defeat for Henllan but there’s still all to play for in East division

NORTH WALES WOMEN’S LEAGUE EAST DIVISION – JANUARY 26, 2025

Berriew 4 (Richards, Savage, G Jones, S Jones)
CPDM Henllan 2 (B Roberts 2)

TOP FOUR

CPD Merched Henllan – Played 8 Points 16 Goal Difference +47
Berriew – Played 6 Points 15 GD +23
Airbus – Played 6 Points 13 GD +25
Denbigh Town – Played 6 Points 12 GD +19

Berriew blew the title race of the North Wales East division wide open after beating Henllan on Sunday.

With now only 4 points separating the top 4, there is all to play for.

With the referee deciding the main pitch was unplayable, the game got moved to Berriew’s second field with the official saying play could start but he would assess the situation as the match went on.

The Powys-based home side started very strongly and kept knocking on the door in the first 25 minutes, stand-in keeper Elin Griffiths being kept very busy, making 3 good saves and Lleucu Williams clearing the ball off the line.

Also hitting the post, the hosts finally broke the deadlock on 27 minutes when Gemma Jones set up Hannah Richards.

Three minutes later Jones’ cross found Lowri Savage who made it two with an easy finish with her left foot.

In the second half, with the conditions getting worse both teams struggled to play their usual passing football.

On the hour mark Gemma Jones made it 3-0, but after 66 Henllan got one back when Beth Roberts finished brilliantly from distance via a Lia Evans assist,

Three minutes later it was 4-1 when a Samantha Jones free kick from the touchline went straight in.

After 76, the prolific Roberts scored her second screamer of the day, a thunderous shot from outside the box that gave keeper Sarah Parkes no chance making it 36 goals for the season for the prolific teenager.

In the dying minutes Berriew were denied goal number five because of a brilliant last-ditch challenge by Magi Pierce, who was excellent all afternoon.

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Evans impressed in midfield in for the irreplaceable Rhian Edwards, who is likely to be out for most of the season.

Henllan, who had no subs for the second game running, hope to have a few new signings in the next few weeks but would also welcome more additions.